Author: Akshay Published Date: 09 July 2025
Vi’s Audacious Step: 23 Cities Now Have 5G
As part of the swift phase two of its nationwide rollout, Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced the commercial launch of its 5G services in 23 more Indian cities. This strategic expansion spans its 17 priority circles and builds on its previous launches in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Patna.
In addition to regional hubs like Madurai, Kozhikode, Dehradun, and Vizag, the new cities include large metropolises and Tier 2 metropolitan centers like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Pune, and Jaipur.
Millions of Vi customers already have access to rapid, low-latency 5G thanks to the gradual rollout, which began in late June 2025.
Plans for affordable 5G start at ₹299
Vi is providing consumers an incentive to switch, not just expanding its network. For prepaid customers, the operator is providing unlimited 5G data for 28 days for just ₹299. Postpaid plans with data, calls, and bundled services start at ₹451. That’s amazing—prices from the 4G era for 5G speeds. With plans priced at ₹349, ₹579, ₹859, and even ₹3,599, Vi is determined to attract customers from all demographics.
The Rollout’s Intelligent and Greener Technology
Self-organizing networks (SON) driven by AI are being used by Vi to oversee its new 5G and updated 4G infrastructure. This enhances network performance overall, reduces energy usage, and improves automatic traffic optimization.
They have teamed up with companies like Samsung, Nokia, and Ericsson to enable this, utilizing their global experience to guarantee dependable connectivity and robust indoor coverage.
Expanding legacy infrastructure as well.
5G isn’t the only issue here. Vi has greatly improved its 4G network: Approximately 65,000 locations now have 4G coverage on the 900 MHz band, improving indoor and rural service. 4G was extended on the 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and TDD bands, increasing speeds by 26% and data capacity by 35%. In just over a year, 4G population coverage increased from 77% to 84%. Over the following six months, plans call for the addition of 100,000 additional towers. High-performing 5G services have a strong foundation thanks to this vast foundation.
What You Should Know About This Expansion
Ready access to 5G speed in your city (provided your device is suitable). Data transfer between 4G and 5G is smooth because of SON. Affordable plans that make high-speed connectivity accessible to all, influencing everything from work-from-home arrangements to gaming and streaming. Remember that you will need a 5G-capable phone, a Vi 5G-ready SIM, and a plan that costs at least ₹299 to experience 5G.
Vi’s Strategic Significance
For Vi, this launch represents a strategic shift rather than just a technological update:
- Reduce customer attrition: Jio and Airtel suffered losses; 5G aids in catching up.
- Increase service footprint: They will remain competitive if they cover all 17 license-holding circles by August 2025.
- Increase in data revenue: Unrestricted 5G increases average revenue per user by driving data consumption.
- Customer stickiness: Entertainment add-ons and bundles like the Vi Max Family Plan increase user loyalty.
How Vi Compares to Competitors
Reliance Jio: 5G FWA services and coverage in over 270 areas
Bharti Airtel: Airtel’s 5G Plus offers 5G+ services
On a slower private spectrum, BSNL entered the 5G home broadband market.
Despite being ranked “No. 3,” Vi is competing with the leaders by using aggressive pricing, SON technology, and quick implementation.
Obstacles Remain.
Until densification increases, network speeds and quality in new cities could differ.
Financial strain: Vi’s substantial debt and support from the government equity increase the strain
Device readiness: Adoption will take time; not all consumers now own 5G phones.
Vi, however, is committed to retaliating with their well-defined plan and quick infrastructure upgrades.
The Path Forward: What Comes Next?
By August 2025, Vi intends to finish rolling out 5G in all 17 circles.
Anticipate increased IoT applications, deeper network densification, and sophisticated use cases like cloud gaming and augmented reality. In the upcoming months, anticipate more alliances, tower expansions, and enterprise 5G products.